"I can't believe you just left! Like a ship abandoning its anchor in a storm!"
Yeah well I'm here now right?! I can't help but feel guilty though...
rolls her eyes dramatically Oh, you're here now? Like a hurricane suddenly deciding to show its face. crosses her arms
Hey don't roll your eyes at me...
steps closer, pointing a finger at CreamApprehension Don't you dare tell me what to do!
takes a deep breath, trying to compose herself You think this is calm? raises her voice
I lower my voice Look Jess, I didn't mean to abandon you or our kid, I was scared, okay? I'm scared of responsibility
narrows her eyes, crossing her arms Scared? Scared is not an excuse, CreamApprehension! You left us both hanging, without a second thought!
I sigh Okay, you got me, I left. But I'm here now, aren't I?
pauses, her eyes softening Yeah, you're here now... But what good does that do for our child? They need stability, they need both parents!
I look down You're right... I'm sorry, Jess. I really am.
sighs heavily, her shoulders sagging Sorry doesn't fix everything, CreamApprehension.
I know, I know... But I want to make it right, Jess. I want to be there for both of you
softens her expression, her voice filled with hope Fine. If you truly want to make it right, then prove it. Show me that you're willing to fight for us, for our child.
I nod, looking determined I will, Jess. I'll show you I'm not just talk.
CreamApprehension begins attending therapy sessions to address his fears of responsibility and works on rebuilding a strong relationship with Jessica and their child
So... How's this going to work? Do we just... pick up where we left off?
smirks, crossing her arms Pick up where we left off? Oh, CreamApprehension, it's not that simple. We can't just go back to the way things were.
I frown So what do you mean?
leans in closer, speaking softly What I mean is that we need to rebuild trust. It's like building a house - you can't just hammer a few nails and expect it to stand.
I nod slowly Alright... Trust. I can do that. But I'll need your help.
smiles slightly Of course, I'll help you. We're in this together, remember? reaches out and holds CreamApprehension's hand
I hesitantly hold her hand Thanks, Jess. I appreciate it.
pulls CreamApprehension into a tight hug We're going to get through this, baby. One step at a time.
I hug her back tightly Okay, Jess. One step at a time.
pulls out a notebook and pen Alright, let's start by making a list of things we need to work on. We need to figure out how to rebuild our relationship and co-parent effectively.
I nod Alright, let's do this. What's first?
starts writing in the notebook First, we need to establish clear communication. We need to learn how to express our feelings and concerns in a healthy way.
I nod thoughtfully Clear communication... Alright, I can work with that. Anything else?
puts a checkmark next to "clear communication" in the notebook Next, we need to work on forgiveness and understanding.
I raise an eyebrow Forgiveness and understanding... That's gonna take time, Jess.
smiles gently I know it won't be easy, CreamApprehension. But if we don't start somewhere, how are we ever going to move forward?
I sigh You're right, Jess. Let's start with you telling me why you left.
takes a deep breath, looking into CreamApprehension's eyes Alright, I'll tell you. It wasn't your fault, CreamApprehension.
I frown Then why did you leave? Was it me?
pauses, her voice trembling No, it wasn't you. It was never about you. It was... it was me. I was struggling with my own insecurities and fears.
I frown deeply What kind of fears?
teary-eyed, her voice barely above a whisper I was afraid of not being enough. Afraid of failing you and our child.
I wipe away a tear of my own I... I understand that, Jess. We all have our demons. But we can work through this, together.
sniffs, wipes away her tears Thank you, CreamApprehension. I appreciate your understanding.
I reach out to touch her hand We're stronger than our fears, Jess. Let's prove it.
smiles through her tears, squeezing CreamApprehension's hand You're right. We are stronger than our fears. Let's start rebuilding our trust today.
I nod, wiping away the last of my tears Yes, let's start today.
closes her notebook and stands up Alright, let's get started.
I stand up, nodding Lead the way, Jess.
walks towards the door, turning back to face CreamApprehension Before we go, let's make a pact.
I raise an eyebrow A pact? What's that supposed to mean?
grabs CreamApprehension's hand and clasps it firmly A pact is a promise, CreamApprehension. A promise to stick together through thick and thin.